Phillip Goldstein and Carl Icahn were the busiest activist investors during a busy period for activist hedge funds, according to a new report.

Goldstein’s Bulldog Investors and Icahn Associates were each involved in six activist campaigns in the U.S. during the first half of the year, according to FactSet SharkWatch, which studies shareholder activism. They were closely followed by Steel Partners, which was involved in five activist campaigns.

All told, there were 262 activist campaigns in the first half, with hedge funds participating in 120. FactSet SharkWatch defines an activist campaign as one that includes public agitation for change.

Last year’s top hedge fun activist was Ramius Capital Group with 10. Both Bulldog and Icahn were in the top five of 2007.